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Water Laden With Minerals Needs Ionization For Saftey and Softening
May 20, 2013 10:01 pm
Installing A Water Filter
Water from a public utility must meet strict health requirements. “If you think that your water is unsafe have it tested by a local health department, the utility company, or an extension service office of a state university,” says Bob Beall, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh, Plumber Dayton Mr. Rooter, and Youngstown Plumbing Mr. Rooter.
Even safe water may have a bad taste or odor, and it may produce stains. A filter could be the solution. If chlorine causes water to taste bad, a temporary solution is to run water into a pitcher and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. By morning much of the chlorine odor and flavor will be gone, making the water more palatable.
Softening Water
Hard water (water laden with minerals), can hinder the lathering action of detergent, making it difficult to clean clothes. Hard water may also stain fixtures and ceramic tiles and clog pipes. A water softener uses ionization to solve these problems. It also can remove rust from water.
Tip #1 Turn off the main water shutoff valve on the house side. If the pipes are galvanized, find a union or cut with a hacksaw and install a union. Cut into copper line using a tubing cutter.
Tip #2 Install a ball or gate shutoff valve on the house side of the water filter. Remove the insides of the valve before sweating the valve body in place.
PLUMBER TRADE SECRET: Some plumbers like to install a bypass loop with additional stop valves so water can be rerouted should the entire filter unit need replacing.
Tip #3 Purchase the adapters you need to connect the filter to your size and type of pipe. Install the adapters on either side of the filter. Hold the filter in place and measure for cutting the pipe that emerges from the new shutoff valve.
Tip #4 Slide nuts and ferrules onto the pipes on either side. Slip the filter onto the pipes, slide the ferrules and nuts over to the filter, and tighten the nuts.
Tip #5 Place a filter cartridge in the canister and twist the canister onto the filter unit. Tighten with a special canister wrench.
Under-sink Filters
“If your main concern is the quality of your drinking water, there’s no need to filter all the water entering the house,” says Beall. Install a small filter under the kitchen sink and hook it to the cold water. A unit like this can be installed simply by connecting tubes to the stop valve and faucet.
Plumber Pittsburgh | Plumbers Dayton | Mr. Rooter Plumbing Youngstown
64 Progress Avenue Cranberry Township, PA, 16066 USA
bbeall@rooter2.com • 877-766-8372
64 Progress Avenue Cranberry Township, PA, 16066 USA
bbeall@rooter2.com • 877-766-8372
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Honesty and Integrity: Choosing Plumbing Contractors Pittsburgh PA – Youngstown OH – Dayton OH
May 16, 2013 12:10 am
A Consumer Checklist: Choosing A Trusted Plumbing Contractor Pittsburgh PA – Youngstown OH – Dayton OH
“Pittsburgh plumbing customers have come to depend on Mr Rooter Plumbing because of front line services, trusted expertise and the most innovative technology available.”
~Bob Beall
“Plumbing is not a easy trade,” according to Bob Beall, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Beall’s reputation with his family owned business is impressive. Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter is the largest all-franchised, full-service (no sub-contractors) plumbing and drain cleaning company with approximately 300 franchises worldwide. The Southwestern Pennsylvania area serves 3.5 million customers; it is the largest plumbing company in the world,” according to Beall. Beall operated the largest family plumbing contractors Pittsburgh Pa.
Mr Rooter believes that not every plumbing need, needs a plumber. By offering Mr Rooter Tip Of The Day, Beall has gotten many emails from consumers, which in turn, generates the tips created daily.
“I get a wide range of questions regarding the products that we service which range in age from brand new to over a hundred years old,” says Mr. Rooter. Beall is the most referred plumber in Beaver, Cranberry, Pittsburgh, Sharon, Washington and Westmoreland in Pennsylvania the greater Youngstown and Dayton Ohio areas, as well.
Mr. Rooter offers customers, both residential and commercial plumbing services, the only FREE second opinion guarantee in the Pittsburgh plumbing industry.
According to Beall, “when a need arises for any plumbing repair, it usually means a crisis for the customer.” Questions range from: ‘no hot water’, ‘the noise from the toilet kept me up all night’, ‘my bathtub is clogged and I have raw sewage in my basement’, to engagement rings lost down the sink and even baby ducks to rescue from drains. Mr. Rooter’s reputation in the plumbing industry has and will remain, second to none. An excellent service plumber must be able to show up at the job, meet with the customer, diagnose the problem, put a monetary value on the repair and then resolve the plumbing issue to the customer’s satisfaction. Beall says, “courtesy is and will remain the most important tool in his plumbing technician’s toolbox.”
The consistency of Mr. Rooter Plumbing’s excellent customer service remains Beall’s top priority. The value that Beall places on the need for an honest plumber with integrity and expert knowledge is behind Mr. Rooter Media Center with daily free plumbing tips called Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day. By registering to receive these tips in your email, Beall states that exclusive offers, deep discounts and promotional giveaways will be made available.
Mr Rooter Tip Of The Day
How To Choose The Right Plumber
1) Be present at all times.
This may sound obvious but it is by far the most important. Customers must know that when they need a qualified plumber, Mr. Rooter will be there. Plumbers must be present and accessible at all times. Mr. Rooter’s phone 877-ROOTER2 (766-8372) is answered by friendly, knowledgeable and efficient representatives 24/7. Any question posed through the Media Center Website is answered by Beall personally.
2) Treat each case individually
Mr. Rooter may hear the same complaint or problem over-and-over again, but each individual customer is treated as such. The way one person feels about a particular problem (and its solution) will vary dramatically.
3) Follow through
Mr. Rooter doesn’t make promises that it can’t keep. It’s easy to appease a customer with grand ideas and promises, but if the plumber can’t pull them off, trust will be lost. When Mr. Rooter promises delivery by a certain time, it happens.
4) Learn from every customer
Mr. Rooter takes each complaint as a piece of advice and works on it; this has built a stronger and well respected company. When customers see changes made because of them, they trust that they are with a company that they can trust.
5) Put your best ‘people person’ on the front-line
No one wants to deal with a short tempered unenthusiastic employee at the best of times… especially when an emergency presents itself and the customer needs help. Mr. Rooter chooses local customer service representatives carefully. Mr. Rooter’s voice of the company is always approachable and reflects the Mr. Rooter brand accordingly.
6) Do not pass the buck
Mr. Rooter does not pass the customer from pillar to post. No matter how difficult the situation is, customers know that they can contact Mr. Rooter personally.
7) Keep things simple
Mr. Rooter doesn’t confuse the customers with too much jargon or terminology that may not be understood. Every customer is entitled to three things: free estimate, free second opinion and clear communication.
8 ) Be public
Mr. Rooter’s Media Center established a public space (LIVE chat online), and answers it publicly. Future customers trust the open response to an issue.
9) Training
Mr. Rooter has staff members that are fully trained and aware of what’s involved when it comes to excellent customer service. They know that a customer call could come through to anyone on the Mr. Rooter team. This awareness of excellent customer service is imperative with the Mr. Rooter brand.
10) Know your company backwards
The person who deals with customer complaints must know the company backwards and be able to answer any question knowledgeably. As a customer, there is nothing worse than speaking to someone within a company who knows less than the customer making the call.
There’s A Reason They Call Us Mr.™
Debra Santavicca PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
1-877-ROOTER2 (766-8372)
webmaster: 724-553-9510
webmaster@rooter2.com
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Pittsburgh Plumber, Mr. Rooter’s Wife Carol Shares Tasty Meatloaf And Instant Bathroom Facelift Tips
May 11, 2013 11:05 pm
Mom’s refresh your bathroom as simple as replacing your sink
“Bathroom sink installing is the latest trend today and gone are the days of the shiny white porcelain bowl,” according to Carol Beall, wife of Mr. Rooter, president of Mr. Rooter Youngstown. According to Carol, you can get bathroom sinks in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials and in all types of price ranges.
“Bathroom sink installation can be done on a table top, on a counter top, on bathroom cabinet, or can be freestanding using trendy pedestals or trunks that cover the drainpipe,” says Beall, who helps her husband Bob run the plumbing business, manage the children’s busy schedules, takes care of all of the restoration work and still has time to prepare great meals for a family always on the move. Beall’s wife recently addressed some of the questions women are asking at Mr. Rooter’s new Media Center Website.
Mr. Rooter explained the steps to mother of three boys as to how to replace her counter top sink after one of the boys dropped a heavy object, breaking the old porcelain sink. Beall’s wife says you can also get corner sinks that can be made to fit in the corners and adds, “choose a sink that goes with your plumbing and space available and also with the general décor of your bathroom. Replacing bathroom sinks can also give a new look and style to your bathroom.”
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
A typical bathroom sink installment will take 4 to 6 hours. Whether your sink is damaged or you’re just looking for an update, replacing a drop in bathroom sink is easy.
Tip #1 The first step is to get the old sink out! Turn off the water supply under the sink and disconnect the supply lines and the sink trap.
Tip #2 Use a utility knife to cut through the sealant around the rim of the sink.
Tip #3 Lift the sink off the counter top.
Tip #4 Use some white vinegar and a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any sealant left around the sink. If it’s really stubborn you may need a putty knife.
Tip #5 Install your new drain assembly and faucet before you drop in your new sink. If you need more information on removing or installing a faucet, you can find information on faucet replacement and many other expert tips here.
Tip #6 Apply a bead of good quality silicone caulk around the sink cutout.
Tip #7 Set the sink and press gently to make a nice seal.
Tips continue below. . .
Tip #8 If your sink has clips under it you’ll need to tighten them in place.
Tip #9 Once the sink is installed, use some silicone caulk to seal the outer rim. (Hint: have a damp clean cotton cloth beside you to keep wiping away any smears, or your fingers).
Tip #10 Then all that’s left to do is reconnect the supply lines and the drain, and then turn the water back on!
Time to start that Beall Family Favorite: Carol’s Meatloaf.
Carol says, “A plumbing job begins the moment we get your call. We feel that even the way we park our vans shows how good of a job we’ll do. And, more importantly, how attentive we are to our clients’ needs.”
Emergency plumbing services 24/7. . .Mr. Rooter is the only plumber who offers the FREE second opinion and like Megan says, “Call Our Dad”.
Click Recipe To Print
There’s A Reason They Call Us Mr.™
Debra Santavicca PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
Toilets Are Common And Simple Plumbing Repairs Any Homeowner Can Perform
May 10, 2013 6:05 am
Complex Machine: The Toilet Invented by Thomas Crapper
“Considering that nearly half the water that is used in the average household flows through toilets, it is remarkable that these virtually automatic devices give such trouble-free service with so little attention,” says Bob Beall, Pittsburgh’s expert plumber: Mr. Rooter.
According to Beall, repairs and adjustments are usually minor and within the capabilities of an inexperienced home plumber. “Although the mechanism of the tank toilet, by far the most common type in houses, remains a mystery to many, no householder need to be finicky about removing the tank top and poking around inside.” Beall says, “The water there is as pure as it is anywhere in the house, and the valves, levers and floats move slowly so that it is easy to observe the way they interact and control the flushing cycle.”
Leaks and noises are the most frequent problems with tank toilets, and the two are often interrelated. An intermittent gurgle of water from tank to bowl, for example, indicates a faulty outlet valve. A high whine or whistle accompanied by a continuous run of water is a sign that the ball cock–the device that starts and stops the refill cycle–needs attention.
“Learning to diagnose such problems is a big step toward correcting them,” says Mr. Rooter.
Mr. Rooter’s 3 Tips For Today
- Adjusting The Tank Ball: Flush the toilet and watch the tank ball as it drops with the water level. If it does not fall straight into the outlet valve–the large opening at the bottom of the tank–loosen the thumbscrew that fastens the guide arm to the overflow pipe. Reposition the arm and the lower lift wire so the tank ball will be centered directly over the outlet valve. Straighten both of the lift wires if necessary.
- Installing A Hinged Flapper Ball: Drain the tank and remove the old guide arm and lift wires. Slip the collar of the frame to the bottom of the overflow pipe, align the ball over the outlet valve and tighten the thumbscrew on the collar. Hook the chain from the ball through a hole in the trip lever directly above, leaving about 1/2 inch of slack. Turn the water on, flush the toilet and see if the tank drains completely. If it does not, lessen the slack or move the chain one or two holes toward the rear of the lift arm.
- Tightening The Handle And Trip Lever: Use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the handle on its shaft. If this does not solve the problem, remove the tank lid and tighten the lift lever on the inside of the handle shaft. You may have to use an adjustable wrench to secure the retaining nut so the bracket does not wobble but still moves freely when the handle is turned. With the wrench or pliers, tighten the trip-lever setscrew against the flattened surface of the handle shaft.
There’s a reason they call us Mr.™
Debra Santavicca, PS, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
1-877-ROOTER2
www.rooter2.com
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How To Cut Rigid & Flexible Copper Pipe
May 8, 2013 11:51 pm
Cutting & Soldering Copper
The best way to cut rigid and flexible copper pipe is with a tubing cutter, according to Bob Beall, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Dayton and Youngstown, Ohio. “A tubing cutter makes a smooth, straight cut, an important first step toward making a watertight joint,” says Beall. It is important to remove any metal burrs on the cut edges with a reaming tool or round file.
“Copper can be cut with a hacksaw,” says Beall, licensed master plumber and owner of three Mr. Rooter franchise locations. According to the expert plumbing specialist, a hacksaw is useful in tight areas where a tubing cutter will not fit. “Take care to make a smooth, straight cut when cutting with a hacksaw,” says Beall.
A soldered pipe joint, also called a sweated joint, is made by heating a copper or brass fitting with a propane torch until the fitting is just hot enough to melt metal solder. “The heat draws the solder into the gap between the fitting and pipe to form a watertight seal,” says Beall. “A fitting that is overheated or unevenly heated will not draw in solder. Copper pipes and fittings must be clean and dry to form a watertight seal.”
EVERYTHING YOU NEED: Tools include: Tubing cutter with a reaming tip (or hacksaw and round file), wire brush, flux brush, propane torch, spark lighter (or matches), adjustable wrench, channel-type pliers. Common materials: Copper pipe, copper fittings, emery cloth, soldering paste (flux), sheet metal, lead free solder, rag.
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
Tip #1 Place the tubing cutter over the pipe and tighten the handle so that pipe rests on both rollers, and cutting wheel is on the marked line.
Tip #2 Turn the tubing cutter one rotation so that cutting wheel scores a continuous straight line around the pipe.
Tip #3 Rotate the cutter in the opposite direction, tightening the handle slightly after every two rotations, until the cut is complete.
Tip #4 Remove any sharp metal burrs from the inside edge of the cut pipe, using the reaming point on the tubing cutter, or a round file.
PLUMBING TRADE SECRETS: Use caution when soldering copper. Pipes and fittings become very hot and must be allowed to cool before handling. Keep the joint dry when soldering existing water pipes by plugging the pipe with bread. Bread absorbs moisture that may ruin the soldering process and cause pinhole leaks. The bread dissolves when water is turned back on. Use common sense to prevent accidents by shutting off the propane torch immediately after use. Make sure the valve is closed completely.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG: When soldering near studs or joists protect the wood from the heat of the torch flame, using a double layer (two 18″ X 18″ pieces) of 26-guage sheet metal. Buy sheet metal at hardware stores or building supply centers and keep it to use with all soldering projects.
There’s a reason they call us Mr.™
Debra D. Santavicca, PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
724-553-9510
webmaster@rooter2.com
Expert plumbing advice from the Pittsburgh plumbing tip guy, Mr. Rooter
The Price Is Right!
Live!
It is the hit interactive stage show that gives contestants pulled right from the audience the chance to “Come On Down” to win appliances, vacations and even a new car by playing classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show. From Plinko to Cliffhangers to the Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase, all the favorite games are played just like the TV show.“We couldn’t be prouder to endorse such a fabulous show,” says Bob Beall, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh. “After all, it’s our favorite motto!” Beall offers the FREE second opinion and the family plumbing business starts off every weekly meeting reminding the professional, front-line Pittsburgh plumbing team that the price is right, when the customer is satisfied. “Customer service is our number one priority,” says Beall, “and courtesy is and will remain the most important tool in our toolbox.”
Celebrate this exciting “Price Is Right” show with some deep discounts from the trusted Pittsburgh plumber, offering expert plumbing tips to consumers. “Not every plumbing need, needs a plumber,” says Mr. Rooter.
Playing to near sold-out audiences for nearly nine years, the Price Is Right Live! has given away more than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes and sold more than 1.2 million tickets.
If you enjoy the rush of emotions experienced while watching the show on television, just imagine the possibilities if you were actually in the audience watching it live.
Limited number of $100 VIP Packages available!
Includes show ticket, t-shirt, chance to spin the Big Wheel backstage and a photo with the host.
Brought to you by:
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Steve Litman
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
Check out our Facebook Page and vote!
Win $100 FREE!
Who is better looking, plumbing Pittsburgh Mr. Rooter’s mascot: Mr. Winky or Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot?
There’s a reason they call us Mr.™
Debra D. Santavicca, PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
724-553-9510
webmaster@rooter2.com
Who Is Better Looking? Plumbing Pittsburgh Mr. Winky or the Pirate Parrot
May 1, 2013 2:55 pm
Enter your email for a chance to win $100 FREE. Vote for your favorite mascot at our Facebook page.
Who is better looking?
Who is better looking?
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
Check out our Facebook Page and vote!
Win $100 FREE!
Who is better looking, plumbing Pittsburgh Mr. Rooter’s mascot: Mr. Winky or Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot?
There’s a reason they call us Mr.™
Debra D. Santavicca, PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
724-553-9510
webmaster@rooter2.com
Installing A Food Disposer Unit With A Self Reversing Feature
April 22, 2013 11:38 am
Self Reversing Feature Food Disposer Unit Will Not Jam
Please Note: Local plumbing codes may require that a disposer be plugged into a grounded outlet controlled by a switch above the sink. Look for a self-reversing model, for this will prevent the disposer from jamming.
“A food disposer grinds food waste so it can be flushed away through the sink drain system,” says Bob Beall, licensed master plumber and owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh, Youngstown and Dayton. A quality disposer has a 1/2-horsepower, self-reversing motor that will not jam. “Other features to look for include foam sound insulation, a cast iron grinding ring, and overload protection that allows the motor to be reset it it overheats,” says Beall.
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
Tip #1 Remove the plate on the bottom of the disposer. Use a combination tool to strip about 1/2″ of insulation from each wire on the appliance cord. Connect white wires, using a wire connector. Connect black wires, the same and then attach the green insulated wire to the green ground screw. Gently push wires into the opening and replace the bottom plate.
Tip #2 Apply 1/4″ bead of plumber’s putty under the flange of the disposer sink sleeve. Insert sleeve in drain opening, and slip the fiber gasket and the backup ring onto the sleeve. Place upper mounting ring on sleeve and slide the snap ring into the groove.
Tip #3 Tighten the three mounting screws. Hold the disposer against the upper mounting ring so that the mounting lugs oin the lower mounting ring are directly under the mounting screws. Turn the lower mounting ring clockwise until the disposer is supported by the mounting assembly.
Tip #4 Attach the discharge tube to the discharge opening on the side of the disposer, using the rubber washer and metal flange.
Tip #5 If the dishwasher will be attached, knock out the plug in the dishwasher nipple, using a screwdriver. Attach the dishwasher drain hose to the nipple with a hose clamp.
Tip #6 Attach the discharge tube to the continuous waste pipe with a slip washer an nut. If the discharge tube is too long, cut it with a hacksaw or tubing cutter.
Tip #7 Lock the disposer into place. Insert a screwdriver or disposer wrench into a mounting lug on the lower mounting ring, and turn clockwise until the mounting ears are locked. Tighten all drain slip nuts with a pair of channel-type pliers.
There’s a reason they call us Mr.™
Debra D. Santavicca, PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
724-553-9510
webmaster@rooter2.com
Outdoor Flexible Plastic Pipe for Underground Cold Water Lines
April 18, 2013 9:03 pm
Flexible PE (polyethylene) pipe is used for underground cold water lines.
“It is very inexpensive and commonly used for automatic lawn sprinkler systems and for extending cold water supply to utility sinks in detached garages and sheds,” says Bob Beall. Beall, a licensed master plumber, owns three Mr. Rooter franchise locations: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Youngstown and Dayton Ohio.
Unlike other plastics, PE is not solvent-glued, but is joined using “barbed” rigid PVC fittings and stainless steel hose clamps. “In cold climates,” according to Beall, “outdoor plumbing lines should be shut off and drained for winter.”
The common tools that will be necessary for this plumbing job are: tape measure, tubing cutter, screwdriver or wrench. The materials that should be readily available are: flexible pipe, fittings, hose clamps and pipe joint compound.
TRADE SECRET: When you connect PE pipe to an existing cold water supply pipe, splice in a T-fitting to the copper pipe and attach a drain-and-waste shutoff valve – and install a female threaded adapter. Screw a barbed PVC male threaded adapter into the copper fitting, then attach the PE pipe. The drain-and-waste valve allows you to blow the PE line free of water when winterizing the system.
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
Tip #1 Cut flexible PE pipe with a plastic tubing cutter, or use a miter box or sharp knife. Remove any rough burrs with a utility knife.
Tip #2 Fit stainless steel hose clamps over the ends of the flexible pipes being joined.
Tip #3 Apply pipe joint compound to the barbed ends of the T-fitting. Work each end of PE pipe over the barbed portions of the fitting and into position.
Tip #4 Slide the band clamps over the joint ends. Hand tighten each clamp with a screwdriver or wrench.
There’s a reason they call us Mr.™
Debra D. Santavicca, PR, SMM, WebIT
Mr. Rooter Media Center
Mr. Rooter Tip Of The Day
www.rooter2.com
724-553-9510
webmaster@rooter2.com
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